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Before they were even born, 7000 Kiwi kids started being tracked by Auckland University researchers.

The Growing Up in New Zealand longitudinal study looks at what shapes children's development and how early interventions might give them the best start in life.

A key purpose of the study was to provide information to help inform policy and Government decision-making and insights have been gained into paid parental leave, immunisation, poverty, household safety, bullying, participation in early childhood education, and pre- and post-natal depression.

It is 10 years since the study started and the children, recruited from the greater Auckland, Counties Manukau and Waikato district health board areas, have turned 8 and 9.

2. Some families have moved house 12 or more times in less than five years.

This generation is highly mobile. Only one in three of all the children and their families has not moved house at least once during their preschool years.

Nearly half are in rental accommodation, and the pattern isn't changing over time.

Many of the homes the children are growing up in are damp and cold, and this is more likely in the rentals that 40 per cent of the children experience, than in private homes or social housing.

The information was provided to Government and was useful in changes to legislation relating to landlords ensuring the safety, warmth and security of rental properties where so many young children spend their earliest years.

7. Those first 1000 days are crucial

It is well recognised the first 1000 days of a child's life from conception to 2 are crucial.

Being exposed to persistent adverse environments, such as material disadvantage and poverty in early life, is associated with a less than ideal start to life.

The effects are multiple and include poorer health and wellbeing overall, less complete and timely immunisations, a greater likelihood of being overweight or obese by age 4½, more behavioural issues and being less prepared for formal schooling.

When it comes to immunisation, 92 per cent of children are fully immunised by age 2, although timeliness varies. By 4 the figure was 85 per cent.

Incomplete and late immunisations are associated with a greater risk of significant respiratory illness in early life.

Intentions for immunisation are high in pregnancy. Parents know the benefits and intend to pursue them. But in the post-natal period immunisation is more often delayed or even missed for second-born or later children and for those living in greater adversity.

The study has also found education is not the missing link here – the challenge is to provide services in a way that allows all parental intentions to become reality.

Hamish from Growing Up in New Zealand Study playing guitar. Photo / Supplied

10. Our capacity to understand and speak te reo Māori is growing

Only five per cent of study parents reported being able to speak te reo Māori when they were interviewed during pregnancy, but by the age of 2, 12 per cent of the children were reported to understand some.

About 10 per cent were reported to be regularly speaking te reo by 4½.